It is always fascinating to see where key players end up when they exit established bands. Looking back, many like Eric Clapton (from The Yardbirds to Cream, and beyond), Ronnie James Dio (from Rainbow and Black Sabbath, to Dio), and Dave Mustaine (Metallica to Megadeth), prove there is life to be lived beyond one project. Just a few names to throw into the discussion, there is also Jason Hook. Hook, who has played with everyone from Hilary Duff to The BulletBoys, and Vince Neil, found a great situation when landing with Five Finger Death Punch back in 2009. Joining up with the band as their lead guitarist just prior to the work on their massively successful album War Is The Answer, Hook was a fixture with Five Finger Death Punch through over a decade of touring and six more studio albums.
A terrific run, in early 2020, just around the time after Five Finger Death Punch released F8, Hook decided the cycle with the band had run its course. Opting to leave, it was something that came as a disappointment to many fans, but this would not be the last anyone heard of Jason Hook; because he would work with others like Corey Marks and Dorothy Martin in the years to follow. However, it seems he had a new vision all his own, thus came the formation of his new band called Flat Black. Signing on with Fearless Records in July of 2023, Hook and his young, hungry band – consisting of Vocalist Wes Horton, Drummer Rob Pierce, and Bassist Nicholas Diltz – were ready to make a big impact on the Hard Rock world. A group of relatively unknowns, beyond of course Hook, these guys wasted no time showing they have the talent and seasoned attitudes to hang with the big boys.
Teaming together, they got to work on some songs, and now eagerly release the debut album Dark Side of The Brain. Set for release on July 19, 2024, the fourteen songs that make up the album were produced by Hook himself along with Chris Collier (Korn, Fear Factory), and recorded in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada; at his own home studio, as well as The Hideout Studios. Clear Hook has put all of himself into this project, it is worth also noting he even designed the cover art as well. Inspiring to see the level of passion which has been put into Flat Black, as they say, the proof is in the pudding… because these songs have a blistering attack.
An album which includes the preceding singles like “Halo,” “It’s Your Lack of Respect,” and “Justice Will Be Done,” more recently they have struck a lot of attention with other tracks such as “Nothing To Some.” The latter, a cut featuring Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, is certainly on the heavier end of the spectrum, but honestly, is not representative of the remainder of the album. What this means is the fabric of Dark Side of the Brain is much more grounded in melodic Hard Rock with razor sharp Metal riffs/solos, rather than just brutality. Something that is very attractive to those who appreciate modern Hard Rock with heart, Horton’s voice shines through with clarity, well-placed emotion, and just the right amount of aggression.
Aspects that all make Flat Black standout in the crowd as a band that are heavy, yet not riding the tail of any current trends, these songs are raw, deep, and nothing less than engaging. With a lot to sink your teeth into, true winners here would have to include “It’s Ok To Be Angry,” the stellar single “Sideways,” and the striking “Home.” These are also complimented by many others; such as the aforementioned “Halo” and quite powerful “Unwanted.”
In all, this album is a wonderfully balanced mix of modern Hard Rock, but with throwback guitar work of yesteryear. Enticing you to peak in the theater with plenty of ear-catching riffs and vocals, you will want to stay for the entire show, because Dark Side of the Brain is one heck of a debut from Flat Black. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this album 4 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment